Blackpool’s town crier Barry McQueen and pupils from Staining Primary School were on hand to officially open a new store in Blackpool.

The Co-operative food store in Normoss Road has taken the place of the former Booths store which closed last August. The conversion cost almost £800,000 and the opening has created 13 jobs. The store is pioneering a new role, known as a community pioneer, where a member of the food store team will work to foster involvement in community activities, from local fundraising initiatives to helping to understand and develop solutions to meet community needs. Chris Kamp, Manager of the store, said: “We are thrilled to have made such a significant investment in Normoss – it is an exciting time for the whole team.”

We are thrilled to have made such a significant investment in Normoss – it is an exciting time for the whole team